FCT Hospitals Overstretched, Lawmakers Demand Action

The House of Representatives has passed a resolution calling for a state of emergency to be declared in the healthcare system of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent Public Importance Sponsored by a member from Delta State Nnamdi Ezechi at plenary.

Presenting his motion, Ezechi noted that the move became necessary due to the severe strain on hospitals and medical facilities in the nation’s capital.

According to the Lawmaker, the population growth in the FCT has not been matched with corresponding expansion and upgrade of healthcare facilities, leading to a shortage of bed spaces and medical personnel.

Ezechi Expressed concern that patients are often forced to wait for long hours or go without critical medical attention, resulting in preventable deaths.

Adopting the motion the House tasked a committee with investigating the state of healthcare facilities in the FCT and submitting a report with recommendations for improvement.

The committee will work with the Federal Ministry of Health and the FCT Administration to identify areas for expansion, upgrade, and resource allocation.

Lawmakers are urging the Federal Government to release emergency funds to upgrade hospitals, recruit medical personnel, and acquire critical medical equipment.

They also want the FCT Administration to partner with private sector stakeholders and international health agencies to boost capacity in the short term.

Oduyemi Odumade